TouchWiz on the Samsung Galaxy Tab rears its head

We already knew TouchWiz would be a separate download for the Galaxy Tab 10.1, but when the update eventually arrives, this is what we're expecting to be part of the download. Keep in mind this is on a Galaxy Tab 8.9 (and it's a developer unit), but Samsung probably isn't going to completely revise TouchWiz for Tablets between now and launch.

It looks like we're still packing the Associated Press widget, picture frame, date/time, weather, stock quotes, and the like. Kudos to Sammy for not completely butchering Honeycomb in order to leave their lasting mark. The TouchWiz notification area looks pretty slick, as well.

One of the more interesting additions is the "mini apps tray" which looks like it could definitely lead to more legal posturing between Samsung and Apple, but I digress. Aside from the look of it, though, the functionality seems awesome.

So how do Samsung's TouchWiz additions strike you? Useful and slick, or unnecessary bloat? Does this compel anyone to get a Galaxy Tab or not get one? Let us know. We're listening.

I hate the TouchWiz on Samsung phones. It is way to "i" like. It looks like it is made for 6 year-olds. This, however, looks like it may actually be useful. The mini tray is nice and it seems to run snappy with no lag. I was afraid Samsung would go the route of bigger processor means we can make the UI bigger and more bloated. Seems from this that they did not. Looks quite trim and sleek. I want one of the 8.9s. I think that is the right size for everyday use and now I like the UI too.

Wow, the mini app tray and mini apps that overlay over existing content look fantastic... It sorta adds a new dimension to multi-tasking on a tablet even if limited in scope by the apps Samsung put there (mini calculator, agenda, etc.). I think Honeycomb and tablets in general need more of that... The ability to see content from two different apps simultaneously without having to switch back and forth.

C'mon guys, you have to admit it doesnt look that bad and some of the functions actually look very useful. I would love to have the quick app tray on my Iconia and I believe Samsung is going to be better about updates in the future - I dont see Touchwiz being so cumbersome (like it was on the Galaxy S line) that it would delay updates.

Hell, with all of this Galaxy Tab 10.1 talk, I'm still waiting on someone to explain to me how, besides being thinner and negligibly lighter (unless you're a complete weakling), it is any better than a Xoom. And I'm not saying that to be a dick, I REALLY want to know. I copped a brand new 32GB WiFi Xoom from MacMall (ebay) a week ago for $499, and I'm willing to switch if I had a good excuse to, but I can't find one.

Between this and the Xoom the only real difference is how thin and light it is, the custom UX, and a PLS display which will be a much more vivid picture. Honestly I think the Xoom is a great device and I might go back to it, I just really wanted to try the 10.1 out and weigh my options.

I'm digging it. The way they've implemented the touchwiz ux on the tab seems to make the whole expirience of using a tablet better. IMHO it's a more intuitive expirience than stock honeycomb. Doesn't seem to slow down the device either which is a huuuge plus. I'm curious to see how this one plays out, but I think we may have found the iPads best honeycomb competition yet!

I like the TW implementation. It's really a nice touch with the mini-app tray. The other widgets are nice, but don't need to be used if you don't need or like them. This definitely makes me more interested in buying a Samsung tablet.

Thanks to AC for organizing the Samsung NYC Galaxy Tab event. The tablets are really impressive. I think when you play with one of these tablets first hand and see how thin and light they are, they will really impress.

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